Where you can still find Santa in Cincinnati this year
The Jolly Ole Elf is a busy man this time of year, with all the making and checking of lists and whatnot. He's in high demand all over town, so his personal assistant has given us a glimpse of his itinerary, and we're sharing it with you.
Through Dec. 23: Meet Santa at Christmas Market Village
Kids can meet Santa in the market village and let him know their wishes. Kids can also meet other Christmas characters, including Olaf, Cindy Lou Who, The Grinch, Elf on a Shelf and Buddy the Elf, and get photos taken with them during special hours: 6-8 p.m. Fridays, 2-4 p.m. Saturdays, 1-3 p.m. Sundays.
Details: 2-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Rising Star Casino, 777 Rising Star Drive, Rising Sun. risingstarcasino.com.
Through Dec. 23: The Christmas Ranch
Enjoy lighted displays, six Christmas shops, train and wagon rides, Santa's bakery and cafe, pictures with Santa and more. Closed Thanksgiving day. A portion of proceeds benefits Shriners Hospital for Children, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Neediest Kids of All, and Little Miami Food Pantry.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 5-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 3205 S. Waynesville Road, Morrow. Runs Nov. 17-Dec. 23. $37 per carload, $47 per oversized van (10-plus passengers), free parking. thechristmasranch.com.
Through Dec. 23: PNC Festival of Lights
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available from 4 p.m. daily.
Details: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale.Cincinnatizoo.org.
Through Dec. 23: Santa on the Levee
Santa visits weekends and there's no appointment needed. You can take photos with him, too.
Details: noon-6 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport. Free. newportonthelevee.com.
Through Dec. 23: Santa Visits
Santa will be sitting by his fireplace on the Mezzanine in the Ruthven Gallery, waiting for boys and girls to give him their wish lists.
Details: museum open daily through end of year, except Dec. 25, Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate. cincymuseum.org.
Through Dec. 23: Holidays on the Farm
Features holiday lights, Santa’s reindeer, pony and wagon rides, caroling and other entertainment, beer garden, food trucks and new this year, the wintertime sport of curling. Interactive train display and Santa will be greeting everyone in Santaland.
Details: 5-9 p.m., Parky’s Farm, 10073 Daly Road, Springfield Township. Dec. 21-23 and Dec. 26-31. $15, $12 advance. Greatparks.org.
Through Dec. 24: Santa's Wonderland
Families can visit Santa's Wonderland in-store and receive a free 4x6 photo with Santa, as well as a festive video. All visitors receive candy canes, and specials gifts while supplies last.
Details: all Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's stores. Free. basspro.com.
Through Dec. 24: Santa Visits Deck the Y'alls Lightfest
Santa will be under the tree inside the ballpark to hear children's wish lists.
Details: 5:30-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Thomas More Stadium, 7950 Freedom Way, Florence. Admission: $16, $12 ages 12-under; $72 family package includes 4 entry tickets, 4 ice skating tickets and 4 s'mores pack vouchers. $7 per person ice skating includes skate rental. decktheyalls.com.
Through Dec. 24: Scuba Santa's Water Wonderland
Visit with Scuba Santa, enjoy colorful lights, playful penguins and magic bubbles.
Details: daily, Newport Aquarium, 1 Levee Way, Newport.Runs Nov. 24-Dec. 24. newportaquarium.com.
Through Jan. 8: Snowland
Enjoy daily snow showers, visits from Santa, seasonally-themed crafts, holiday stories and songs and more for the whole family.
Details: daily, Great Wolf Lodge, 2501 Great Wolf Drive, Mason. Egreatwolf.com..com.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Where to see Santa in Cincinnati for the 2023 holiday season
